It’s about that time again: sorority recruitment, of course! Sorority recruitment is an experience unlike anything else. It’s stressful, exciting, eye-opening and, most of all, rewarding. But if you have read anything online ever about sorority recruitment, you’ve probably heard that.
During this time in your life, you’re going to need a friend to help you through it. However, if you’re anything like me, you might not be BFFs with another girl going through, or maybe you’re from California and you’re going to school in Kentucky and know literally no one. Some girls are luckier than others and know tons of girls in the process and are hoping to land in the same chapter as their very best friend. No matter your situation, Panhellenic has done everything in their power to make recruitment the best experience for you. Whether you know 20 girls or zero at your new school, you will be blessed with two Gamma Chis, or recruitment counselors. (They go by different names at different schools: Rho Gamma, Pi Chi, etc.)
As an upcoming Gamma Chi, I have a few things to share with those PNMs already planning their recruitment outfits down to the jewelry.
1. A Gamma Chi is your personal best friend.
Sure, she has 40 other girls to look after, but I promise you that she is doing everything in her power to make you feel like you are important and will take the time to listen to your problems, fears and excitement.
2. You can literally text or call her at any time of day or night.
She might be in class and text you back 30 minutes later, or she might be asleep and wake up to the “ding” of her phone. No matter what, she’s there for you. It’s 3 a.m. and you had a nightmare that your favorite chapter dropped you? It’s OK; she’s going to calm you down and talk you through it. Two p.m. the day of Preference Round and you have no idea what to wear? It’s OK; she’s going to help you make the best decision for you.
3. She is very serious about her disaffiliation.
It isn’t a light process. This whole thing started around May to make sure that all of the ladies coming through recruitment wouldn’t be able to identify which organization she’s a part of. “We gave up our letters to help you find yours” is something we are proud of. Don’t get me wrong — we love LOVE our chapters and we miss our sisters, but this group of women is particularly excited about Greek Life as a whole, and they are dedicated to finding the right home for you. Even if they would love to have you as a sister, they recognize that nine times out of 10, the recruitment process works in the right way. So please, if you find out what your Gamma Chi is, don’t share it with someone else who might truly be depending on her to stay unbiased.
4. Greek Life has helped her in some way.
While you might not see the particular worth of a chapter, or even Greek Life in general, she knows that every woman who is remaining in their organization and recruiting you believes in Greek Life and the opportunities it provides, just like she does. So if you think it’s not right for you, please be polite to her and the other ladies. It’s OK for you to leave the process — it’s not binding — but do so in a graceful way and even send a “Thank You” to your Gamma Chi because she’s the one who just assisted you in properly ending your recruitment journey.
5. She's still your friend in the end.
During recruitment, your group will be lovingly adorned with the title “Gamma Chi Babies” by both of your recruitment counselors. They truly care about the success of each of you but, obviously, accept that you won’t all be in the same chapter in the end. After recruitment, even though you might not be “sisters,” you’ll still be her baby. She’ll be your first true friend in a different chapter, and months later, if you don’t know what to wear for your first formal, you can still shoot her that panicked text, and she’s going to help you out the same way she did during recruitment. Appreciate her.
Lovingly,
A Gamma Chi
